Masking in video stream

ABSTRACT

Methods and devices for combining a mask with a selectively progressing video stream may include receiving a selection of at least one mask with a mask zone that obscures at least a portion of the video stream. The methods and devices may include receiving a selection to emplace the at least one mask at a first location within the video stream. The methods and devices may include receiving a selection to enable a tracking icon to move the at least one mask to a second location within the video stream while the video stream progresses. The methods and devices may include generating a combined output of the video stream and the selective emplacement and movement of the at least one mask during the video stream progression.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a U.S. continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/209,873 that is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/341,497 with a filing date of Oct.13, 2017, that claims priority of U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 62/408,610 with a filing date of Oct. 14, 2016, the entireties ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Masking is used to obscure portions of a video image stream, such as avideo file stored in a computer-readable memory. For various reasons, itmay be necessary to mask certain portions of a video to obscure anobject. For example, security footage may include private information,such as license plates and faces, that need to be obscured to allowpublishing in a manner that would otherwise violate privacy. With theadvent of body cameras, this need raised an increasing concern, sincesuch cameras can capture a large number of private individuals withouttheir consent, for example. When the footage is used in a public manner,it is often necessary to obscure people's faces, address markers, orother objects, for privacy concerns.

To this end, a mask can be added to the video over the object to beobscured. Currently, such masking is generally emplaced frame-by-framemanually. Automated object (e.g., face or license plate) recognitionalgorithms exist; however, these systems do not have enough accuracy andreliability to ensure complete coverage in every frame. Moreover, amongother problems in the related art, certain objects may be hard orimpossible to detect automatically, and it may be necessary at times toobscure objects unknown to such algorithms or portions of an imagestream that have poorly defined boundaries.

Thus, there remains an unmet need for improved image stream maskingtechnologies.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or moreimplementations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure inorder to provide a basic understanding of such implementations. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of all contemplatedimplementations, and is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of any or allimplementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one ormore implementations of the present disclosure in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

One example implementation relates to a method for combining a mask witha selectively progressing video stream. The method may include receivinga selection of at least one mask with a mask zone that obscures at leasta portion of the video stream. The method may include receiving aselection to emplace the at least one mask at a first location withinthe video stream. The method may include receiving a selection to enablea tracking icon to move the at least one mask to a second locationwithin the video stream while the video stream progresses. The methodmay include generating a combined output of the video stream and theselective emplacement and movement of the at least one mask during thevideo stream progression.

Another example implementation relates to a computer device. Thecomputer device may include a memory to store data and instructions, aprocessor in communication with the memory, and a video editorapplication accessible via the memory and processor. The video editorapplication may be operable to receive a selection of at least one maskwith a mask zone that obscures at least a portion of the video stream;receive a selection to emplace the at least one mask at a first locationwithin the video stream; receive a selection to enable a tracking iconto move the at least one mask to a second location within the videostream while the video stream progresses; and generate a combined outputof the video stream and the selective emplacement and movement of the atleast one mask during the video stream progression.

Another example implementation relates to computer-readable mediumstoring instructions executable by a computer device. Thecomputer-readable medium may include at least one instruction forcausing the computer device to receive a selection of at least one maskwith a mask zone that obscures at least a portion of the video stream.The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction forcausing the computer device to receive a selection to emplace the atleast one mask at a first location within the video stream. Thecomputer-readable medium may include at least one instruction forcausing the computer device to receive a selection to enable a trackingicon to move the at least one mask to a second location within the videostream while the video stream progresses. The computer-readable mediummay include at least one instruction for causing the computer device togenerate a combined output of the video stream and the selectiveemplacement and movement of the at least one mask during the videostream progression.

Additional advantages and novel features relating to implementations inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure will be set forth inpart in the description that follows, and in part will become moreapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the followingor upon learning by practice thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example computer device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example of processing a videostream copy in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for masking objects in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate example graphical user interfaces in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate example graphical user interfaces in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating various features of an example computersystem for use in conjunction with aspects of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 7 illustrates an example system diagram of various hardwarecomponents and other features for use in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods forselective contemporaneous tracking of objects within progressing videostreams, for example, to mask and/or highlight the objects (such maskingand/or highlighting being interchangeably and/or collectively referredto herein by masking). In one example implementation, a user may use amouse, or other input device, and a special icon superimposablydisplayed over progressing image frames in a video stream, which may beused to define a size and/or shape of a mask to insert over one or moreobjects and/or portions thereof. The user may selectively move the maskso as to follow the movement of the object in a video stream, forexample, and the video stream and moving object may be combined into acombined video output. In an implementation, the system mayautomatically follow the objects with the mask, for example, and thevideo stream and moving objects may be combined into a combined videooutput. When the combined video output is then played, the object mayappear as being hidden behind the mask throughout a portion or all ofthe outputted video stream. The systems and methods provide a mode torecord such masks positions from frame to frame and to maintain themetadata associated with the mask positions in a database for furtherplayback or export operations where the masking objects may be required.

Masking may be required in various situations, for example, when a videosequence is to be released to the public with the aim to gatheradditional information about a crime, or when the information (e.g.,license plate) shown in a video sequence must be kept private by lawenforcement or other parties for privacy reasons, whether the video isreleased to the public or not. In such situations, certain portions ofthe video, also interchangeably referred to herein as “objects” (e.g.,individuals, license plates, or other identifying information or anyother selected video frame portion or portions) shown in the video, mayneed to be masked when distributed to the public.

Highlighting may also be useful in various situations, for example, whena video sequence is to be released to the public with the aim to gatheradditional information about a crime and/or there is otherwise a need tobring the attention of the viewers to different elements of the videosequence by highlighting them with a bounding box around them.

The described devices and methods in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure may facilitate allowing a user to easily move a maskover a playing video while the video is progressing, so as to track withan identified object in motion and provide controllable playback of thevideo. As such, users without advanced video editing knowledge orexperience may easily create such combined masked output videos, andless time may be expended when redacting videos, while ensuring accurateresults.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an example system 100 for editing videos bymasking and/or highlighting objects 32 in a video stream 12 may includeone or more imaging devices 106 in communication with computer device102, such as via a network 104 (e.g., the Internet or an intranet)and/or a communication link with a communication component. Imagingdevice 106 may include one or more camera resources 10 that may capturea video, such as a video stream 12 and/or still picture of scene 108that may be presented on a display 44 (FIG. 2 ). Display 44 may belocated on imaging device 106, computer device 102 and/or a deviceremote to computer device 102. Imaging device 106 may include any devicethat may be used to capture and/or manipulate images, video, andvideo-related functionality, such as, but not limited to, body cameras,surveillance cameras, desktop video cameras (webcams), mobile devices,digital camcorders, still image cameras that support video streaming, orany device having one or more camera resources 10.

Imaging device 106 may capture one or more image frames 18 in a videostream 12 of a plurality of objects 32 up to m objects (where m is apositive number) of scene 108. Imaging device 106 may transmit videostream 12 to computer device 102. In an example implementation, imagingdevice 106 may automatically transmit video stream 12 to computer device102. For example, a body worn camera and/or an in vehicle surveillancesystem may automatically transmit video streams 12 captured by the bodyworn camera and/or vehicle surveillance system to computer device 102.In addition, a user of system 100 may upload to or otherwise access oneor more video streams 12 via computer device 102. For example, a usermay select one or more video streams 12 to upload to computer device102. Example formats of video streams 12 may include, but are notlimited to, G64, MP4, AVI, ASF, MOV, WMV, WebM, Ogg, Way, jpg, jpeg,png, gif, and tiff.

Computer device 102 may include any mobile or fixed computer device,which may be connectable to a network. Computer device 102 may be orinclude, for example, a computer device, such as a desktop or laptop ortablet computer, a cellular telephone, a gaming device, a mixed realityor virtual reality device, a music device, a television, a navigationsystem, a camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handhelddevice, or any other computer device having wired and/or wirelessconnection capability with one or more other devices.

Computer device 102 may store the received video streams 12 in one ormore files 16. For example, computer device 102 may store related videostreams 12 in a single file 16. Related video streams 12 may include,but are not limited to, video streams of a same event, video streams ofa same location, video streams received from the same imaging device106, and/or video streams of a same object. As such, one or more videostreams 12 may be stored in a respective file 16. One example use casemay include creating a case file 16 for a crime and/or incident withseveral video streams 12 from one or more imaging devices 106 capturingthe crime and/or incident from differing vantage points.

Computer device 102 may include a video editor application 14 executedby processor 49 and/or memory 51 of computer device 102. Memory 51 maybe configured for storing data and/or computer-executable instructionsdefining and/or associated with video editor application 14, andprocessor 49 may execute video editor application 14. An example ofmemory 51 can include, but is not limited to, a type of memory usable bya computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatilememory, and any combination thereof. An example of processor 49 caninclude, but is not limited to, any processor specially programmed asdescribed herein, including a controller, microcontroller, applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array(FPGA), system on chip (SoC), or other programmable logic or statemachine.

Video editor application 14 may provide a user interface that maydisplay outputs and/or accept inputs and/or commands from a user ofsystem 100. The user interface may provide a user the ability to viewand/or edit video streams 12. For example, a user may use video editorapplication 14 to mask selected individuals and/or objects of interestin a progressing video stream 12, while, for example, avoiding a need tostop at each frame in order to redact content. In addition, a user mayuse video editor application 14 to redact audio in progressing videostream 12.

In one example, a user may open video editor application 14 by opening afile 16 and selecting a menu icon to redact a selected video stream 12.Upon selecting the icon to redact a video stream 12, video editorapplication 14 may open a user account. Another example may include auser opening video editor application 14 by directly accessing a useraccount for video editor application 14. Different user accounts mayhave varying levels of permission that may be granted to users. Forexample, permission levels may define access to available functionalityand restrict specific users to view-only or edit-only rights. Moreover,permission levels may restrict access to specific video streams 12.

Video editor application 14 may include a video editor component 20 thatmay make a video stream copy 22 of the selected video stream 12 beforeperforming any redaction and/or editing of the video stream 12. A usermay have multiple video stream copies 22 with different redactionscreated for the original video stream 12. As such, any changesand/modifications made during the editing process may be made to videostream copy 22 and the original video stream 12 may remain unchanged.

A video replay component 42 may display a video stream copy 22 for auser. A user may select to pause video stream copy 22 when one or moreobjects 33 are identified in the image frame 18 that are selected to beobscured and/or blurred by a mask. For example, a user may identify aface of a selected individual and/or a license plate of a vehicle to beobscured and/or blurred in the image frame 18. In addition, video replaycomponent 42 may present one or more image frames 18 of video streamcopy 22 on a display. A user may select an image frame 18 to edit whenone or more objects 33 are identified in the image frame 18 that mayneed to be obscured and/or blurred.

Once the video stream copy 22 is paused, for example, video editorapplication 14 may allow a user to select one or more masks 34 to insertinto video stream copy 22. Masks 34 may be added to the video streamcopy 22 to obscure and/or blur one or more identified objects 33 in thescene 108 displayed in video stream copy 22. For example, a user mayselect an icon to add a new mask 34 to the image frame 18. The user mayspecify a shape (e.g., rectangle, square, triangle, circle, and oval) ofthe mask 34. Each mask 34 selected by the user may be the same shapeand/or a different shape may be used for differing masks 34. As such, avariety of masking shapes may be used in a single image frame 18 formasks 34.

In addition, a mask zone 35 may be defined for each mask 34 selected.The mask zone 35 may identify the mask size 52 and/or mask position 50in an image frame 18 of video stream copy 22. For example, a user maymove the mask zone 35 to a location covering the one or more objects 32in the image frame 18 and may selectively adjust the size of the maskzone 35 to obscure the one or more objects 32, for example, by selectinga tracking icon 43. The mask size 52 and position 50 may be altered asthe video stream progresses. For example, the user may also resize masksize 52 without pausing the video, such as by selecting one or morepredetermined shortcut keys, to increment and decrement the width andheight of the mask 34 by a predetermined amount. One example may includea user using up and down arrow keys to adjust the height of the mask 34(e.g., an up arrow to increase the height and a down arrow key todecrease the height). In addition, a user may use the right and leftarrow keys to adjust the width of the mask 34.

The mask zone 35 may also be used on any region in an image frame 18,whether depicting a particular object 32 or not. For example, in amoving pan of a particular scene 108, a mask zone 35 may be used tooutline or obscure a portion of each frame that represents a particularlocation in the scene 108 displayed in the video stream as the relativelocation of changes with changes in frame perspective over time, e.g.,such location may serve as a reference location.

In an example implementation, video editor application 14 may include anobject identifier component 45 that may automatically identify one ormore objects 33 in the video stream copy 22 to obscure and/or blur andmay automatically select one or more masks 34 to insert into the videostream copy 22 over the identified objects 33. One or more facialrecognition systems or other object recognition system, for example, maybe used to identify one or more objects 33 to obscure and/or blur in thevideo stream copy 22. For example, mask 34 may be automatically appliedon all faces detected in video stream copy 22 using one or more facialrecognition systems. A user may edit and/or modify the one or more masks34 automatically inserted into the video stream copy 22. For example, auser may remove masks 34 from persons of interest and/or add masks 34 tocontent not captured by the automatic process (e.g., partial faces,non-face related information, and/or sides of faces). By using anautomatic process to perform an initial identification, as well as topersistently track such identified portions during video progression,the editing time to redact a video may be reduced.

When a mask 34 is added to an initial image frame 18, a mask duration 36timeline may be may be initiated for presentation to the user interfacecorresponding to a duration of when the mask 34 is presented in thevideo stream copy 22. For example, a mask duration 36 may begin at amask start time 38 that corresponds to a time marker in the video streamcopy 22 when the mask 34 is first inserted into an image frame 18 withinthe video stream copy 22. In addition, the mask duration 36 may end atan end time 40 that corresponds to a time marker in the video streamcopy 22 when the mask 34 is removed from an image frame 18. For eachmask 34 inserted into the image frame 18, a different timeline for maskduration 36 may be presented. As such, a user may be able to visuallydetermine time frames that different masks 34 are inserted in the videostream copy 22. Moreover, a user may modify a mask duration 36 by movingthe presented timeline. For example, a user may extend and/or shortenthe mask duration 36 by moving the start time 38 and/or end time 40 ofthe mask duration 36.

The interface may include a video replay component 42 that may receivean input via a tracking icon 43 to start replaying the video stream copy22. For example, a user may select the same tracking icon 43 used toresize and/or move the mask 34 in order to start replaying the videostream copy 22. As the video stream copy 22 replays, a user may use thetracking icon 43 to move the mask 34 and follow any movement objects 32may have during playing of the video stream copy 22. As the mask 34moves, the mask zone 35 associated with mask 34 may be updated so thatthe mask position 50 and/or mask size 52 may be tracked over severalimage frames 18 of the video stream copy 22. Thus, a user may easilyobscure one or more objects 32 over several image frames 18 while thevideo stream copy 22 continues to play at a specified speed (e.g., aselected frame rate per second for the video playback). In animplementation, a user may adjust the selected video playback speed byselecting one or more predetermined shortcut keys, to increment and/ordecrement the playback speed by a predetermined amount. For example, auser may use up and down arrow keys to adjust the playback speed (e.g.,an up arrow to increase the speed and a down arrow key to decrease thespeed).

Video editor component 20 may thereby automatically generate editedimage frames 24 for each image frame 18 where the mask(s) 34 are presentand use the one or more masks 34 to obscure and/or blur identifiedobjects 33. For example, video editor component 20 may apply a blurringeffect, pixilation effect, and/or black box to modify the edited imageframe 24 corresponding to the mask position 50 and mask size 52 so thatidentified objects 33 are not present in the edited image frame 24. Assuch, identified objects 33 may not be retrievable from video streamcopy 22 once obscured and/or blurred by video editor component 20.

Video editor component 20 may also generate and save metadata 48 foreach edited image frame 24. Metadata 48 may track any changes and/ormodifications made to mask(s) 34 that may occur between edited imagesframes 24. Metadata 48 may include, but is not limited to, mask position50, mask size 52, and/or mask duration 36. For example, metadata 48 mayinclude a location vector associated with mask(s) 34 that may be used totrack the various mask positions 50 of mask 34.

One example use case may include a user first selecting the trackingicon 43 associated with mask 34 and then maintain persistent selectionof an input device, such as holding a mouse button or maintaining afinger placement on a touchscreen, to start the masking process for aprogressing video. As long as the user selects the tracking icon 43, thevideo continues to progress (i.e., play). The user may move the inputdevice and/or finger, and the mask 34 may correspondingly move so as tofollow the same path as the input device. Thus, as identified object 33moves, the user may follow with the input device and/or finger themoving identified object 33. The user may also resize mask 34 withoutpausing the video, such as by selecting one or more predeterminedshortcut keys, to increment and decrement the width and height of themask 34 by a predetermined amount (e.g., 5%).

Once the user releases the tracking icon 43, for example, by releasingthe input device and/or removing a finger from the tracking icon 43 on atouch screen, the video playback may stop. In addition, the end time 40of the mask duration 36 may correspond to the time within the videostream that the releasing the input device and/or removing a finger fromthe tracking icon 43 occurs. Video editor application 14 may track andrecord the movement of mask 34, for example, in metadata 48. When theuser replays video stream copy 22 with the applied metadata, the usermay see that, as the video copy plays, mask 34 follows the same paththat the input device followed frame by frame.

At any moment during video streaming and editing operation, the user mayselect to click on, or otherwise select, the tracking icon 43 to correctand/or continue the tracking of mask 34. Changes and/or modificationsmade to mask 34 may overwrite the mask position 50 previously recordedfor mask 34, if any, and/or a new recorded mask position 50 may be addedto metadata 48 for mask 34. Thus, every time a new mask position 50 isrecorded for mask 34, the mask position 50 may persist from the currenttime in the video stream copy 22 until the end time 40 of the maskduration 36 for mask 34, or, for example, until a different position formask 34 may be set, whichever may come first.

At any moment during video streaming and editing operation, the user maypause the video playback to resize mask 34. For example, a user mayresize mask 34 by dragging one of its sides. The user may also resizemask 34 without pausing the video playback by pressing shortcut keys toincrement and/or decrement the width and height of mask 34 by apredetermined amount (e.g., 5%). The new width and height of mask 34 maybe recorded in metadata 48, and mask 34 may retain these new dimensionsfrom the current time in the video stream copy 22 until the end time 40of the mask duration 36 for mask 34 or until a different mask size 52may be set, for example, whichever comes first.

Thus, a user may easily obscure one or more objects 32 over severaledited image frames 24 while the video stream copy 22 continues to playat a specified speed (e.g., a selected frame rate which to display theedited image frames 24), without having to pause the video stream copy22 to see each frame and perform the editing separately on each frame,for example.

In an example implementation, a user may also select an audio file 25associated with the video stream 12 to edit and/or modify. A user maywant to remove a portion of the audio file 25 and/or modify a portion ofthe audio file 25, for example, so as to render the audio informationunrecognizable. For example, a user may want to remove or modify audioassociated with a specific speaker in the video stream 12. In addition,a user may want to remove and/or modify background noise that mayidentify where the video was captured and/or identify individualslocated in the background of the video stream. Video editor application14 may include an audio editor component 46 that allows a user to modifyand/or change an audio file 25 and generate edited audio 47.

For example, a user may apply one or more masks 34 to obscure selectedaudio portions in the audio file 25. Each mask 34 may correspond to adifferent portion of the audio file 25 to remove and/or obscure theselected audio portion. The mask position 50 may indicate where in theaudio file 25 the mask 34 may be inserted in order to remove the audioand/or obscure the audio to thereby render it unrecognizable. Audioeditor component 46 may generate an output of edited audio 47 with theone or more masks 34 inserted into the audio. File 16 may associate theedited audio 47 with one or more video stream copies 22 and/or videostreams 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , illustrated is an example of various aspectsof processing video stream copy 22. Video editor component 20 mayreceive a video stream 12 with one or more (e.g., 1 to r, where r is aninteger) image frames 18. As discussed in FIG. 1 , one or more masks 34may be selected for addition to a video stream copy 22, and video editorcomponent 20 may generate one or more (e.g., 1 to n, where n is aninteger) edited image frames 24 with the selected masks 34 insertedtherein.

Each mask 34 inserted into video stream copy 22 may include a maskduration 36 that corresponds to a time period when a mask 34 is presentin edited image frames 24. For example, the mask duration 36 may occurafter a start time 38 (e.g., time T₀ in FIG. 2 ) corresponding to afirst edited image frame 24 where mask 34 is present (e.g., Edited ImageFrame¹ in FIG. 2 ) and continues until an end time 40 (e.g., time T_(p)in FIG. 2 ) corresponding to a last edited image frame 24 in which themask 34 occurs (e.g., Edited Image Frame, in FIG. 2 ). When the maskduration 36 is completed (e.g., at Edited Image Frame_(n)), video editorcomponent 20 may cease the generation and insertion of edited imageframes 24 into video stream copy 22, and thus video stream copy 22 mayagain include only image frames 18 from video stream 12. As such, videostream copy 22 may include a combined mix of edited image frames 24 andimage frames 18.

In addition, each edited image frame 24 where mask 34 occurs may alsoinclude metadata 48 associated with mask 34. Metadata 48 may include,but is not limited to, information regarding mask zone 35, such as theposition 50 of mask 34 in the edited image frame 24, the size of mask34, and/or information relating to time 54 corresponding to a timemarker in the video stream copy 22 where mask 34 is located. When morethan one mask 34 is present in an edited image frame 24, metadata 48 maybe captured for each mask 34 inserted into the edited image frame 24.Moreover, if the mask zone 35 changes between edited image frames 24,the metadata 48 information may be updated. As such, the metadata 48information 48 may track any changes to mask position 50 and/or masksize 52 between edited image frames 24. For example, metadata 48 mayinclude a location vector associated with mask(s) 34 that may be updatedwhen the various mask positions 50 of mask 34 change.

Video editor component 20 may apply a blurring effect, pixilationeffect, and/or black box to modify the edited image frame 24corresponding to the mask position 50 and/or mask size 52 so thatidentified objects 33 are not present in the edited image frame 24. Assuch, identified objects 33 may not be retrievable from video streamcopy 22 once obscured and/or blurred by video editor component 20. Forexample, video editor component 20 may modify image information in thevideo stream to add the blurring effect, pixilation effect, and/or blackbock corresponding to the mask position and/or mask size 52 so that theidentified objects 33 are not present in the edited image frame 24. Inaddition, video editor component 20 may apply the blurring effect,pixilation effect, and/or black bock corresponding to the mask positionand/or mask size 52 based on the metadata 48 associated with the mask34.

Video stream copy 22 may be presented on display 44 when a user selectsto replay the video stream copy 22. In addition, video stream copy 22may be transmitted to other systems for further processing.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , an example method 300 is illustrated formasking objects 32 (FIG. 1 ) that may be executed by video editorapplication 14 (FIG. 1 ) on computer device 102 (FIG. 1 ).

At 302, method 300 may include determining whether a pause occurred inplaying the video stream. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a videoreplay component 42 may play video stream copy 22 for viewing by a user.A user may select to pause video stream copy 22, for example, to view ascene more closely and/or when one or more objects 33 are identified inthe image frame 18 that may need to be obscured and/or blurred. Inaddition, video replay component 42 may present one or more image frames18 of video stream copy 22 on a display. A user may select an imageframe 18 to edit when one or more objects 33 are identified in the imageframe 18 that may need to be obscured and/or blurred.

At 304, method 300 may include receiving identification of at least oneobject to obscure. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a user may identifya face of an individual and/or a license plate of a vehicle that mayneed to be obscured and/or blurred in the image frame 18. In an exampleimplementation, video editor application 14 may automatically identifyone or more objects 33 in the video stream copy 22 to obscure and/orblur. For example, one or more facial recognition algorithms or otherobject recognition system may be used to identify one or more objects 33to obscure and/or blur in the video stream copy 22.

At 306, method 300 may include receiving a selection of at least onemask to insert into the video stream to obscure the at least one object.For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , once the video stream copy 22 ispaused, video editor application 14 may allow a user to select one ormore masks 34 to insert into video stream copy 22. For example, a usermay selectively emplace mask 34 at a first location within the videostream (e.g., a first location within an image frame 18 of the videostream). Masks 34 may be added to the video stream copy 22 to obscureand/or blur one or more identified objects 33 in the scene 108 capturedin video stream copy 22. For example, a user may select an icon to add anew mask 34 to the image frame 18. The user may specify a shape (e.g.,rectangle, square, triangle, circle, or oval) of the mask 34. Each mask34 selected by the user may be the same shape and/or a different shapefrom other masks 34. As such, a variety of shapes may be used in asingle image frame 18 for a plurality of masks 34.

In addition, a mask zone 35 may be defined for each mask 34 selected.The mask zone 35 may identify the mask size 52 and/or mask position 50in an image frame 18 of video stream copy 22. For example, a user maymove the mask zone 35 to a location covering the one or more objects 32in the image frame 18 and may adjust the size of the mask zone 35 toobscure the one or more objects 32, for example, by selecting a trackingicon 43. The mask zone 35 may also be used on any region in an imageframe 18, whether depicting a particular object 32 or not. Thus, eachmask 34 may be associated with a persistent subportion of the videostream. The persistent subportion of the video stream may comprise atleast a portion of a particular object 32 visible within the visiblevideo stream. For example, in a moving pan of a particular scene 108, amask zone 35 may be used to outline or obscure a portion of each framethat represents a particular location in the scene 108 being videostreamed as location position moves within the frame, e.g., using thelocation as a reference point. As such, the mask zone 35 may be used tooutline or obscure at least a portion of the video stream.

In an example implementation, video editor application 14 mayautomatically select one or more masks 34 to insert into the videostream copy 22 over the identified objects 33. For example, automaticface detection tools may be used to automatically generate masks and mayselectively emplace the masks at a first location within the videostream and selectively move the masks to a second location within thevideo stream to follow and blur faces in the video when movement of thefaces occurs. A user may edit and/or modify the one or more masks 34automatically inserted into the video stream copy 22 using, for example,tracking icon 43 to adjust the mask zone 35 associated with masks 34. Byusing automatically generated masks, time may be saved during theediting process.

At 310, method 300 may include receiving an input to resume playing thevideo stream. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the interface mayinclude a video replay component 42 that may receive an input via atracking icon 43 to start replaying the video stream copy 22. Forexample, a user may select the same tracking icon 43 used to resizeand/or move the mask 34 to start replaying the video stream copy 22. Asthe video stream copy 22 replays, a user may use the tracking icon 43 tomove the mask 34 and follow any movement that objects 32 may have duringplaying of the video stream copy 22. For example, the user mayselectively move mask 34 to a second location within the video steamwhen the video stream progresses to track any movement that objects 32may have. As such, the movement of mask 34 may be linked to the movementof objects 32 may have when the video stream progresses. In animplementation, the movement of mask 34 may be automatically linked tothe movement of objects 32 when the video stream progresses.

As the mask 34 moves, the mask zone 35 associated with mask 34 may beupdated so that the mask position 50 and/or mask size 52 may be trackedover several edited image frames 24 of the video stream copy 22. Forexample, the user may also resize mask size 52 without pausing thevideo, such as by selecting one or more predetermined shortcut keys, toincrement and decrement the width and height of the mask 34 by apredetermined amount. One example of predetermined shortcut keys mayinclude using up and down arrow keys to adjust the height of the mask 34(e.g., an up arrow to increase the height and a down arrow key todecrease the height). In addition, predetermined shortcut keys mayinclude using the right and left arrow keys to adjust the width of themask 34. Thus, a user may easily obscure one or more objects 32 overseveral edited image frames 24 while the video stream copy 22 continuesto play at a specified speed (e.g., a selected frame rate at which todisplay the image frames 18), without having to pause the video streamcopy 22 to perform the editing frame by frame, for example. In anaddition, a user may adjust the selected video playback speed byselecting one or more predetermined shortcut keys, to increment anddecrement the playback speed by a predetermined amount. For example, auser may use up and down arrow keys to adjust the playback speed (e.g.,an up arrow to increase the speed and a down arrow key to decrease thespeed).

Once the user releases the tracking icon 43, for example, by releasingthe input device and/or removing a finger from the tracking icon 43 on atouch screen, the video playback may stop. In addition, the end time 40of the mask duration 36 may correspond to releasing the input deviceand/or removing a finger from the tracking icon 43. Video editorapplication 14 may track and record the movement of mask 34, forexample, in metadata 48. When the user replays video stream copy 22, theuser may see that mask 34 follows the same path that the input devicefollowed frame by frame as the video copy plays.

At 314, method 300 may include generating a video stream copy with theat least one mask inserted into the video stream copy. Video editorcomponent 20 may generate edited image frames 24 for each image frame 18where the mask(s) 34 are present and used to obscure and/or bluridentified objects 33. For example, video editor component 20 may applya blurring effect, pixilation effect, and/or black box to modify theedited image frame 24 corresponding to the mask position 50 and masksize 52, so that identified objects 33 are not present in the editedimage frame 24. The identified objects 33 may not be retrievable fromvideo stream copy 22 once obscured and/or blurred by video editorcomponent 20. For example, video editor component 20 may modify imageinformation in the video stream to add the blurring effect, pixilationeffect, and/or black bock corresponding to the mask position and/or masksize 52 so that the identified objects 33 are not present in the editedimage frame 24. In addition, video editor component 20 may apply theblurring effect, pixilation effect, and/or black bock corresponding tothe mask position and/or mask size 52 based on the metadata 48associated with the mask 34. As such, video editor component 20 maygenerate a combined output of the video stream copy 22 and the selectiveemplacement and movement of the mask 34 during the video streamprogression.

Video editor component 20 may also generate and save metadata 48 foreach edited image frame 24. Metadata 48 may track any changes and/ormodifications made to mask(s) 34, for example, that may occur betweenedited images frames 24. Metadata 48 may include, but is not limited to,mask position 50, mask size 52, and/or mask duration 36. In addition,metadata 48 may be retained so as to enable a user can quit and/or pausean editing session and come back later without losing the recordingspreviously made for a mask 34.

At 316, method 300 may optionally include adjusting a position of the atleast one mask. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a user may click on,or otherwise select, the tracking icon 43 to correct and/or continue thetracking of mask 34. Changes and/or modifications made to mask 34 mayoverwrite the mask position 50 previously recorded for mask 34, if any,or a new recorded mask position 50 may be added to metadata 48 for mask34. Thus, every time a new mask position 50 is recorded for mask 34, themask position 50 may stay effective from the current time in the videostream copy 22 until the end time 40 of the mask duration 36 for mask 34or until a different position for mask 34 may be set, for example,whichever may come first.

The user may also pause the video playback to resize mask 34 and/orreposition mask 34. For example, a user may resize mask 34 by draggingone of its sides. The user may also resize a mask by dragging it to adifferent position. The new X and Y coordinates of the mask position 50may be recorded, and mask 34 may retain these new dimensions from thecurrent time of the video until the end time 40 of mask 34 if there isnot any other repositioning of the mask performed, for example. If somerepositioning operations occur on mask 34, then the latest operationsmay overwrite the previous mask position 50.

The user may also resize mask 34 without pausing the video playback bypressing shortcut keys, for example, to increment and/or decrement thewidth and height of mask 34 by a predetermined amount (e.g., 5%). Thenew width and height of mask 34 may be recorded in metadata 48, and mask34 may retain these new dimensions from the current time in the videostream copy 22 until the end time 40 of the mask duration 36 for mask 34or until a different mask size 52 may be set, for example, whichevercomes first.

At 318, method 300 may optionally include adjusting a mask duration whenthe at least one mask is visible in the video stream copy. For example,as shown in FIG. 1 , a user may modify a mask duration 36 by moving thetimeline information for the presented mask duration 36. For example, auser may extend and/or shorten the mask duration 36 by moving the starttime 38 and/or end time 40 of the mask duration 36 on the presentedtimeline.

Once a user is satisfied with the masks 34 created and the tracking ofthe identified objects 33, the video editor application 14 may use asmoothing algorithm, for example, to avoid having a shaky trajectory forthe masks 34. An example of a smoothing algorithm may include, but isnot limited to, removing every mask 34 (or changes in position thereof)through all the recordings having a change in their mask position 50(e.g., X and Y coordinates) of less than 1% of their previous recording,if any.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4H, illustrated are example snapshots ofgraphical user interface screens in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface 400where a video sequence is paused. A video timeline 402 representing thevideo sequence may indicate at 404 where the video sequence is paused. Auser may pause the video sequence, for example, when one or more objectsmay be identified in the image frame that may need to be obscured and/orblurred. For example, a user may identify a face of an individual and/ora license plate of a vehicle that may need to be obscured and/or blurredin the image frame.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrates example interfaces 406, 410 with masks 408,412 inserted over identified objects (e.g., a face of an individual anda license plate) to hide the identified objects in the video streamsequence.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example interface 414 with a tracking icon, suchas a “Manual Live Tracking” button 416 (further illustrated in FIG. 4H).Once a user selects the tracking icon 416 (e.g., by touching thetracking icon 416 on the screen and/or pressing a mouse button), andmaintains the selection of the tracking icon 416, the video startsplaying at the speed specified in the tracking speed menu 418illustrated in FIG. 4E. In this example, the video plays at half itsoriginal speed.

As long as the user continues to select the tracking icon 416, the videomay continue to play. The user may move the pointer (e.g., via mouse orfinger) and the mask will move so as to follow the same path as thepointer. As such, the user may follow with the pointer (e.g., mouse orfinger) the moving object to be masked. The user may also resize themask without pausing the video by pressing predetermined shortcut keys,for example, to increment and decrement the width and height to the maskby a predetermined amount (e.g., 5%).

FIG. 4F illustrates a timeline 420 indicating (e.g., in blue) the lengthof the video and (e.g., in green) the mask duration (e.g., a length oftime during which the selected mask is displayed from a start time to anend time). When a new mask is added by default, an end time may be setto the end of the video. A user may modify the end time by releasing thetracking icon 416 and/or moving the end of timeline 420, for example.

FIG. 4G illustrates on the right side of the video that a user mayselect to view a list 422 of the created mask with the one selectedhighlighted 424 (e.g., in green). Each line shows the mask's name, itsstart time and its end time. A mask selection can be toggled by clickingor otherwise selecting the line corresponding to the mask on the rightside of the video player or by clicking or otherwise selecting a maskdirectly in the video player. When a user selects a different mask, atimeline 420 (FIG. 4F) may be displayed for the corresponding mask, andthe tracking icon 416 may be selected so that the mask may be updatedand/or moved.

As shown in FIG. 4H, a user is able to set the start time and the endtime of the mask, which respectively correspond to the first and to thelast moment within the video stream that the mask is displayed. Forexample, a user may drag, or otherwise move, both sides 426, 428 of themask timeline 420 under the video (e.g., in green; or the one above thevideo timeline 402).

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5F, additional example snapshots of userinterface screens are illustrated. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates anexample user interface screen 500 that may be presented when videoeditor application 14 (FIG. 1 ) opens. For example, interface screen 500may present a list 502 of detected faces of individuals automaticallyidentified in a video stream using, for example, an automatic facerecognition tool and/or object recognition tool. In addition, interfacescreen 500 may present a series of thumbnails 506 with previews of imageframes of the video stream. A user may select an individual 504, e.g.,person 3, from the list 502 of detected individuals. When a user selectsan individual 504, an image frame 508 with the first appearance of theselected individual 504 may be highlighted in the series of thumbnails506. A user may select a thumbnail associated with image frame 508, andthe image frame 508 may then be presented on the left side 512 ofinterface 500 as shown in FIG. 5A. In addition, a mask 510 may beautomatically inserted into the image frame 508 for covering the face ofthe selected individual 504 (e.g., person 3), for example. A user mayselect an edit mask icon 514 to edit the mask associated with selectedindividual 504.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example user interface screen 500 when a userselects edit mask icon 514. A video mask tab 516 may open with the maskcorresponding to the selected individual 504. Previously created masks518 (e.g., Mask #1, Mask #2, and Mask #3) may be manually created andmay be presented below the automatically created masks (e.g., MaskPerson #3, 504). The previously created masks 518 may be presented inorder, for example, by start time in the video stream, with the maskcorresponding to the earliest start time relative to the other starttimes presented first. In addition, a mask duration timeline 519 may bepresented that identifies a duration of the mask 510 (e.g., bycorresponding color or other identifier) and locations in the videostream where the mask 510 is inserted.

FIG. 5C illustrates an example user interface screen 500 when a userselects a different mask 520 to view. The mask 510 associated with theselected individual 504 may be collapsed, and the mask 522 associatedwith newly selected mask 520 may be presented in the image frame. Inaddition, mask duration timeline 519 may be updated to illustrate theduration of mask 522 and the locations in the video stream where mask522 is inserted, for example.

In an example implementation, among other things, a user may use themask duration timeline 519 to view a preview of the video. For example,a user may select a start of a mask duration, and a preview of the videowhere the mask is first present in the video may be highlighted in thepanel of thumbnails 506. In addition, a user may select an end of themask duration, and a preview of the video of the end of the mask may behighlighted in the panel of thumbnails 506.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example user interface screen 500 when a userselects to adjust a blur level of one or more masks in the video. Forexample, a user may use a blur adjustment scale 524 to modify the blurlevel of the masks in the video. In an example implementation, the usermay adjust the level of blur between a 20% blur level and a 100% blurlevel, where the percentage indicates a level of obstruction in theimage. The blur adjustment scale 524 may allow a user to adjust the blurlevel by 20% increments, for example. In another implementation, a usermay be able to adjust the blur level of the masks when viewing the finalvideo stream copy.

FIG. 5E illustrates an example user interface screen 500 when a userselects to edit audio associated with a video. A user may select anaudio icon 525 to receive a transcript 526 of the audio associated withthe video. The transcript 526 may identify various speakers andassociate the audio with various speakers (e.g., by color or otheridentifier). For example, the system may convert the audio to text usingone or more known methods to provide a transcript 526 of the capturedaudio. A user may select audio 528 to edit and/or redact. Once a userselects a portion of the audio 528 to edit, a user may select an audiomask icon 530 to apply a mask to the selected audio 528.

FIG. 5F illustrates an example user interface screen 500 when a userselects the audio mask icon 530. User interface screen 500 may present alist of audio masks 532 that have been created. A user may select anaudio mask 534 to edit (e.g., audio mask #1). When a user selects audiomask 534 to edit, an audio mask timeline 536 may be presented so that auser may easily identify where audio mask 534 may be inserted in theaudio file. The audio mask 534 may be used to remove the audio from theaudio file and/or modify the audio so that the audio is unrecognizable.When placing audio mask 534 into the video, the audio may stop onesecond prior to the location where the audio mask 534 may be inserted,for example, to aid in the placement of the audio mask 534.

An example implementation will now be provided with pseudocode, which ismeant to illustrate, not limit, the described methods and devices. Amongother things, the pseudo-code explains in further details example logicused for the “Manual live tracking” functionality once a user activatethe functionality on a mask as described in the “Step-by-step of themethod” section of this document at the step of FIG. 4D. The exampleimplementation also explains one example of the behavior of the systemwhen the user plays back a video:

If the user activates the « manual live tracking » functionality on amask,

-   -   While the user keeps the functionality activated,        -   Start playing the video at a playback speed adjustable by            the user (i.e., by default at half the original speed of the            video).        -   At every predetermined interval of time Z set in the system            (i.e., every 1/30 of a second)            -   Check if the last recording for the mask does not                indicate the same X and Y positions for the mask as the                ones of the user pointer right now (plus some deltas for                the X and Y positions of the pointer to take into                account the fact the user pointer is not positioned at                the center of the mask) OR check if there is no any last                recording for the mask,                -   If that is the case, create a new recording for the                    mask indicating that at the current time, the X and                    Y positions of the mask changed to the ones of the                    user pointer right now (plus some deltas for the X                    and Y positions of the pointer to take into account                    the fact the user pointer is not positioned at the                    center of the mask).            -   Check if the last recording for the mask does not                indicate the same dimensions for the mask (width and                height) as the ones specified by the user right now OR                check if there is not any last recording for the mask,                -   If that is the case, create a new recording for the                    mask indicating that, at the current time, the width                    and height of the mask changed to the ones the user                    specified.

If the user plays back the video,

-   -   At every predetermined interval of time Z set in the system        (i.e., every 1/30 of a second)        -   For every mask            -   Check if the mask is to be displayed at the current time                (if its start time is smaller than the current time and                its end time is greater than the current time).                -   If that is the case, find the latest recording for                    the mask that has been recorded at the current time                    of the video or earlier. Display the mask over the                    video with the dimensions and at the X and Y                    positions specified in the latest recording.                -   If that is not the case, hide the mask if it was                    displayed.

Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware,software executed by a processor, or a combination thereof and may beimplemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems.For example, the user interfaces illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H and 5A-5Fmay be implemented as a computer system or processing system. Also, thevideo editor application 14 (FIG. 1 ) may be implemented as a computersystem or processing system. In an aspect of the present disclosure,various features may be directed toward one or more computer systemscapable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An exampleof such a computer system 600 is shown in FIG. 6 .

Computer system 600 includes one or more processors, such as processor604. The processor 604 is coupled to a communication infrastructure 606(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Varioussoftware aspects are described in terms of this example computer system.After reading this description, it will become apparent to a personskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects hereof usingother computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system 600 may include a display interface 602 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 606(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 630.Computer system 600 may include a main memory 608, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 610. Thesecondary memory 610 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 612and/or a removable storage drive 614, e.g., an optical disk drive. Theremovable storage drive 614 may read from and/or write to a removablestorage unit 618 in a well-known manner. As will be appreciated, theremovable storage unit 618 may include a computer readable storagemedium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

Alternative aspects of the present invention may include secondarymemory 610 and may include other similar devices for allowing computerprograms or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 600.Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 622 andan interface 620. Examples of such may include a removable memory chip(such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), orprogrammable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and otherremovable storage units 622 and interfaces 620, which allow software anddata to be transferred from the removable storage unit 622 to computersystem 600.

Computer system 600 may also include a communications interface 624.Communications interface 624 may allow software and data to betransferred among computer system 600 and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 624 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc.Software and data transferred via communications interface 624 may be inthe form of signals 628, which may be electronic, electromagnetic,optical or other signals capable of being received by communicationsinterface 624. These signals 628 may be provided to communicationsinterface 624 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 626. This path626 may carry signals 628 and may be implemented using wire or cable,fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF)link and/or other communications channels. As used herein, the terms“computer readable medium,” “computer program medium,” and “computerusable medium” refer generally to media such as a removable storagedrive 680, and/or a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 670. Thesecomputer program products may provide software to the computer system600. Aspects of the present invention are directed to such computerprogram products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) may bestored in main memory 608 and/or secondary memory 610. Computer programsmay also be received via communications interface 624. Such computerprograms, when executed, may enable the computer system 600 to performthe features in accordance with aspects of the present invention, asdiscussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed,may enable the processor 604 to perform the features in accordance withaspects of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programsmay represent controllers of the computer system 600.

Where aspects of the present invention may be implemented usingsoftware, the software may be stored in a computer program product andloaded into computer system 600 using removable storage drive 614, harddisk drive 612, or interface 620. The control logic (software), whenexecuted by the processor 604, may cause the processor 604 to performthe functions described herein. In another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the system may be implemented primarily in hardware using,for example, hardware components, such as application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware statemachine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparentto persons skilled in the relevant art(s). In yet another variation,aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using a combinationof both hardware and software.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the invention may beimplemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

FIG. 7 shows various elements of an example network 700 usable inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure. The network 700 includes oneor more accessors 760, 762 (also referred to interchangeably herein asone or more “users”) and one or more terminals 742, 766. In one aspectof the disclosure, data for use is, for example, input and/or accessedby accessors 760, 762 via terminals 742, 766, such as personal computers(PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, microcomputers, telephonicdevices, or wireless devices, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or ahand-held wireless devices (e.g., wireless telephones) coupled to aserver 743, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer,microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository fordata and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, anetwork 744, such as the Internet or an intranet, and/or a wirelessnetwork, and couplings 745, 746, 764. The couplings 745, 746, 764 mayinclude, for example, wired, wireless, or fiberoptic links. In anotheraspect of the disclosure, the method and system of the disclosure mayinclude one or more features that operate in a stand-alone environment,such as on a single terminal.

While implementations of various aspects of the present disclosure havebeen described in connection with examples thereof, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that variations and modificationsof the implementations described above may be made without departingfrom the scope hereof. Other implementations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or from apractice in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for combining a mask with a selectivelyprogressing video stream, the method comprising: receiving a selectionof at least one mask with a mask zone for obscuring at least a portionof the video stream; receiving a selection to emplace the at least onemask at a first location within the video stream; receiving a selectionto enable a tracking icon to move the at least one mask to a secondlocation within the video stream while the video stream progresses; andgenerating a combined output of the video stream and the selectiveemplacement and movement of the at least one mask during the videostream progression.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onemask is associated with a persistent subportion within the video stream.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the persistent subportion comprises atleast a portion of an object visible within the video stream.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising: linking the movement of the atleast one mask to movement of the at least a portion of the object. 5.The method of claim 2, wherein the persistent subportion comprises atleast a portion of a face of an individual.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the combined output of the video stream includes one or more ofmodifying image information in the video stream to add blurcorresponding to the at least one mask and adding blur in the videostream corresponding to the at least one mask based on the metadata. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an identificationof a portion of audio associated with the video stream to edit; andediting the audio associated with the video stream to obscure theidentified portion of audio.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereingenerating the combined output of the video stream and the selectiveemplacement and movement of the at least one mask during the videostream progression further includes the edited audio.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving the selection to emplace the at least onemask at the first location within the video stream comprises receivingthe selection to emplace the at least one mask at the first locationwithin the video stream when the video stream is paused; and wherein themethod further comprises receiving an input to progress the video streamand receiving an input to move the at least one mask to the secondlocation within the video stream while the video stream progresses. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the input to progress the video streamallows for the input to move the at least one mask.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein receiving the input to progress the video stream occursonce the tracking icon is enabled.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving the selection to enable the tracking icon to move the at leastone mask occurs when the video stream is paused; and wherein the methodfurther comprises receiving an input via the tracking icon to move theat least one mask to the second location within the video stream whilethe video stream progresses.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving the selection to enable the tracking icon to move the at leastone mask to the second location comprises receiving an input ofpersistent selection from an input device.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprises receiving an input to move the at least one mask tothe second location within the video stream while the video streamprogresses, wherein the input to move the at least one mask to thesecond location corresponds to movement of the tracking icon via theinput device while the persistent selection is maintained.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the input device is a mouse; and wherein thepersistent selection corresponds to pressing and holding of a button ofthe mouse.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprises receiving aninput to move the at least one mask to the second location within thevideo stream while the video stream progresses at a decreased speed froman original playback speed of the video stream.
 17. The method of claim16, further comprises receiving an input to decrease speed of the videostream from the original playback speed of the video stream to thedecreased speed.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprises receivingan input to adjust a size of the mask zone while the at least one maskis moved to the second location while the video stream progresses. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the input to adjust the size of the maskzone corresponds to a selection of a shortcut key.
 20. A computerdevice, comprising: a memory to store data and instructions; a processorin communication with the memory; and a video editor applicationaccessible via the memory and the processor, wherein the video editorapplication is operable to: receive a selection of at least one maskwith a mask zone for obscuring at least a portion of the video stream;receive a selection to emplace the at least one mask at a first locationwithin the video stream; receive a selection to enable a tracking iconto move the at least one mask to a second location within the videostream while the video stream progresses; and generate a combined outputof the video stream and the selective emplacement and movement of the atleast one mask during the video stream progression.
 21. The computerdevice of claim 20, wherein the at least one mask is associated with apersistent subportion within the video stream.
 22. The computer deviceof claim 21, wherein the persistent subportion comprises at least aportion of an object visible within the video stream.
 23. The computerdevice of claim 22, wherein the video editor application is furtheroperable to link the movement of the at least one mask to movement ofthe at least a portion of the object.
 24. The computer device of claim21, wherein the persistent subportion comprises at least a portion of aface of an individual.
 25. The computer device of claim 20, wherein thecombined output of the video stream includes one or more of modifyingimage information in the video stream to add blur corresponding to theat least one mask and adding blur in the video stream corresponding tothe at least one mask based on metadata.
 26. The computer device ofclaim 20, wherein the video editor application is further operable to:receive an identification of a portion of audio associated with thevideo stream to edit; and edit the audio associated with the videostream to obscure the identified portion of audio.
 27. The computerdevice of claim 26, wherein generating the combined output of the videostream and the selective emplacement and movement of the at least onemask during the video stream progression further includes the editedaudio.
 28. The computing device of claim 20, wherein the video editorapplication being operable to receive the selection to emplace the atleast one mask at the first location within the video stream comprisesthe video editor application being operable to receive the selection toemplace the at least one mask at the first location within the videostream when the video stream is paused; and wherein the video editorapplication is further operable to receive an input to progress thevideo stream and to receive an input to move the at least one mask tothe second location within the video stream while the video streamprogresses.
 29. The computing device of claim 28, wherein the input toprogress the video stream allows for the input to move the at least onemask.
 30. The computing device of claim 28, wherein the video editorapplication being operable to receive the input to progress the videostream occurs once the tracking icon is enabled.
 31. The computingdevice of claim 20, wherein the video editor application being operableto receive the selection to enable the tracking icon to move the atleast one mask occurs when the video stream is paused; and wherein thevideo editor application is further operable to receive an input via thetracking icon to move the at least one mask to the second locationwithin the video stream while the video stream progresses.
 32. Thecomputing device of claim 20, wherein the video editor application beingoperable to receive the selection to enable the tracking icon to movethe at least one mask to the second location comprises the video editorapplication being operable to receive an input of persistent selectionfrom an input device.
 33. The computing device of claim 32, wherein thevideo editor application is further operable to receive an input to movethe at least one mask to the second location within the video streamwhile the video stream progresses, wherein the input to move the atleast one mask to the second location corresponds to movement of thetracking icon via the input device while the persistent selection ismaintained.
 34. The computing device of claim 33, wherein the inputdevice is a mouse; and wherein the persistent selection corresponds topressing and holding of a button of the mouse.
 35. The computing deviceof claim 20, wherein the video editor application is further operable toreceive an input to move the at least one mask to the second locationwithin the video stream while the video stream progresses at a decreasedspeed from an original playback speed of the video stream.
 36. Thecomputing device of claim 35, wherein the video editor application isfurther operable to receive an input to decrease speed of the videostream from the original playback speed of the video stream to thedecreased speed.
 37. The computing device of claim 20, wherein the videoeditor application is further operable to receive an input to adjust asize of the mask zone while the at least one mask is moved to the secondlocation while the video stream progresses.
 38. The computing device ofclaim 37, wherein the input to adjust the size of the mask zonecorresponds to a selection of a shortcut key.
 39. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a computerdevice, comprising: at least one instruction for causing the computerdevice to receive a selection of at least one mask with a mask zone forobscuring at least a portion of the video stream; at least oneinstruction for causing the computer device to receive a selection toemplace the at least one mask at a first location within the videostream; at least one instruction for causing the computer device toreceive a selection to enable a tracking icon to move the at least onemask to a second location within the video stream while the video streamprogresses; and at least one instruction for causing the computer deviceto generate a combined output of the video stream and the selectiveemplacement and movement of the at least one mask during the videostream progression.